The European Union (EU) EPSO AD5 competition has once again opened doors to working in European institutions, in one of the most sought after ways to join the European Commission on a permanent basis. At issue are hundreds of vacancies in a career with competitive salary, stability and progression, in a demanding process but clearly structured in terms of what is asked of candidates.
Seven years after the last edition, the contest returns and is expected to attract between 50,000 and 60,000 candidates. There are 1,490 places planned on a reserve list and, in the end, around 750 people will be able to get a permanent place. The only requirement to enroll is to have a higher education course lasting at least three years, proven by a diploma.
Registration is open until March 10 this year, according to the Euronews news agency.
A return that is mobilizing thousands
The AD5 profile is considered the main gateway to administrator roles in European institutions. This is, in practice, the initial level for those who intend to work in areas such as public policy, strategic analysis, project management or technical decision support.
This competition comes at a time when several experienced managers and staff are approaching retirement age. At the same time, institutions seek to reinforce skills, especially in the digital area. With such a high volume of applications, it is estimated that less than 3% of competitors reach the end of the process successfully, which helps explain the high demand.
Who can compete
To apply for this job at the European Commission, you must have a higher education course lasting at least three years, proven by a diploma. No professional experience is required. There are also specific deadlines for obtaining the diploma and submitting documentation, which are detailed on the official competition pages, according to the same source.
Tests can be taken remotely and each candidate chooses two official (EU) languages, which allows the application to be adjusted to their strengths, especially in the written component.
How the selection process works
The selection includes online reasoning tests, EU knowledge tests, digital skills assessment and a written component, usually in the form of an essay on European topics. It is not enough to demonstrate theoretical knowledge about institutions. The process requires speed, organizational skills and clarity in structuring ideas within a limited time.
In this edition, the digital aspect assumes particular relevance, reflecting the growing need for these skills in the daily work of institutions.
What is the reserve list
Being included on the reserve list does not mean immediate hiring. This is a list of candidates eligible for recruitment when vacancies arise during the validity period of this reservation. This is why the numbers are different: 1,490 people will be able to join the list, but the number of effective entries into permanent vacancies should be around 750, according to the source cited above.
For those selected, their duties may begin later. The published expectation points to the start-up within around two years.
Salaries and career conditions
The AD5’s attractiveness is also associated with the remuneration package and career stability. The base salary depends on the grade and level, and may be increased by applicable surcharges.
In communications about the competition it is said that the starting salary can reach around 6,758 euros per month, depending on the framework. The EU provides updated salary tables with values by category and grade.
Important dates and preparation
Applications for this job at the European Commission opened on February 5th and close on March 10th, at noon Brussels time, which corresponds to 11am in Lisbon. Anyone who intends to compete, according to , must prepare on two fronts: training in timed tests, as speed counts, and structured writing practice, as the writing can be decisive in the final classification.
It is also best not to leave your application until the last few days. In addition to filling out the form, there are steps and documents with their own deadlines, which can make the process difficult for those who postpone submission.
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